Kia has lastly executed away with the dreary non-turbo engine in lower-grade Stonic fashions, in addition to including a number of anticipated security options to the vary.
Observe: That is an up to date model of a overview first revealed in September 2024. There have been no specification adjustments since then, although pricing has modified barely.
We have now up to date key particulars, together with pricing, with essentially the most up-to-date data out there. You’ll be able to learn the unique model of this overview right here.
WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the 2021 Kia Stonic GT-Line
Does that make this small SUV stack up higher than earlier than? Nicely, it prices extra now (however doesn’t all the pieces?) and there are nonetheless some kinks that may very well be ironed out…
However on this overview, you’ll study if the mid-spec 2025 Kia Stonic Sport is the choose of the vary, or if spending a few grand extra on the GT-Line can be a greater wager.
How does the Kia Stonic evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Kia Stonic in opposition to equally sized autos.
Kia
Stonic
How a lot does the Kia Stonic value?
The variant examined right here is the mid-spec Sport, which beforehand was a misnomer. However with the brand new, extra highly effective three-cylinder turbo engine, it truly lives as much as the moniker slightly higher.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-roads | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Stonic S | $25,660 | $27,740 |
| 2025 Kia Stonic Sport | $28,790 | $30,340 |
| 2025 Kia Stonic GT-Line | $31,980 | $33,540 |
To see how the Kia Stonic stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s the Kia Stonic like on the within?
Kia hasn’t gone arduous on the entire ‘bling’ factor on the within of the Stonic, particularly in comparison with some rivals which have a complete lot extra wow issue for brand spanking new automobile consumers.
There have nonetheless been some enhancements for the Stonic that bode nicely for consumers, together with a digital instrument cluster relatively than a small display screen flanked by typical dials.
The centre a part of the brand new show features a multi-info show, with a visit pc display screen, compass, temperature readout and extra. If you change drive modes (sure, all grades have three modes – Regular, Sport and Eco) the colouring across the edges of the cluster adjustments.
The opposite display screen is an 8.0-inch touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, each of which require you to plug in. There’s additionally no wi-fi telephone charger, so this isn’t feeling as trendy as many rivals on this class.
However in some methods, the old-school display screen is nice as a result of it’s easy to study, the menus are easy, and there are buttons under and dials to the aspect for easy adjustments on the transfer.
The mid-spec Sport has satellite tv for pc navigation as normal, however I primarily stayed related to CarPlay and had no points with it (as is usually the case with USB-connected mirroring).
The brilliance of easy controls continues under the touchscreen, with dials for the single-zone local weather management temperature and the fan velocity, in addition to buttons for the air route, air circulation, and entrance and rear defoggers.
Who would have thought these issues can be worthy of reward? However these blingy, screen-heavy small SUVs usually have minimal bodily buttons and knobs, which makes them tedious to work together with.
There are illuminated self-importance mirrors (that you must flick the change to mild issues up, although), and it will get a handbook day/evening mirror, not an auto-dimming one. There’s an ordinary sunglass holder, nonetheless.
Storage up entrance is respectable, with a shelf above the USB-A port that’s a bit too cramped to suit a big smartphone. There’s additionally a pair of cupholders between the seats, a lined centre console space, and respectable entrance door pockets for bottles.
One thing you may’t escape on this automobile is the sensation of cheapness – the armrests on the doorways are arduous plastic, and it’s not a pleasant feeling in your elbow!
Within the again, it’s the identical story. The door playing cards have bottle holders but additionally have arduous plastic finishes. There’s additionally no flip-down armrest, so no cupholders. Different facilities embody a single USB-A port, one map pocket, seize handles on the ceiling and a lightweight.
No directional air vents within the again signifies that dad and mom mightn’t discover the state of affairs to be splendid for little ones within the again, however there are ISOFIX factors within the window seats and three high tethers for baby seats.
The house for a six-foot grownup behind their very own driving place is okay, however a bit cramped by way of legroom. Head room, toe room and shoulder house are all high-quality for the scale of the automobile.
The boot house is respectable, with 332 litres of cargo capability with the again seats up, and 1132L out there whenever you fold these rear seats down.
There are purchasing bag hooks and a helpful storage field on the aspect of the boot space, and whereas there are locators for an adjustable arduous boot flooring, the precise boot flooring is flimsy, and doesn’t slot in there to boost the ground.
Underneath the boot is a space-saver spare wheel, which is a plus.
| Dimensions | Kia Stonic Sport |
|---|---|
| Size | 4140mm |
| Width | 1760mm |
| Top | 1520mm |
| Wheelbase | 2580mm |
| Cargo capability | 332L (5 seats) 1132L (2 seats) |
To see how the Kia Stonic stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
As talked about, the large change right here is the standardisation of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which beforehand was reserved for the top-spec GT-Line.
| Specs | Kia Stonic Sport |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.0L 3cyl turbo |
| Energy | 74kW |
| Torque | 172Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Pushed wheels | FWD |
| Weight | 1227kg (tare) |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 5.4L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 7.1L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 45 litres |
| Gas requirement | 91 RON (E10 succesful) |
| CO2 emissions | 125g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 900kg |
To see how the Kia Stonic stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Kia Stonic drive?
The earlier engine within the S and Sport grades was a dud.
Nicely, that is likely to be harsh – it was barely satisfactory by way of energy, and the auto transmission all the time felt prefer it was robbing you of momentum by attempting to upshift early to avoid wasting gasoline.
This new engine? It was a fantastic match for the sportier wanting GT-Line within the final vary, and it’s undoubtedly a extra becoming system for this utility extra broadly.
With a comparatively mild weight and an honest quantity of torque, the up to date Stonic by no means feels prefer it runs out of puff just like the final mannequin did, and the engine is a little bit of a revelation.
It affords ample zest and zippiness in slower driving conditions round city, and in addition handles freeway hauling with ease, responding shortly to sudden throttle inputs.
The seven-speed dual-clutch isn’t good, nevertheless it does do an excellent job when you’re away from a standstill.
In stop-start conditions it may be a bit sluggish to reply, particularly if the engine start-stop system has activated. That, with DCT and turbo lag could make for some less-than-perfect take-offs from a standing begin.
At velocity the DCT is nice, providing good and snappy shifts, and in my testing I discovered it to be extra agreeable than I recalled the GT-Line feeling beforehand.
Sitting atop 17-inch wheels with comparatively low-profile rubber there’s a little bit of a firmness to the journey, nevertheless it doesn’t get clumsy or crashy until you hit a very sharp edge.
The steering is properly weighted and responsive in city driving, however there’s additionally a degree of surety and management that some low cost Chinese language options don’t provide when driving on nation roads or at freeway tempo.
There’s a little bit of racket to deal with on coarser street surfaces, nevertheless it isn’t too unhealthy round city.
Fortunately, not like loads of rivals, there may be not an abundance of irritating security know-how that require disabling earlier than you may drive in peace. There’s a lane-keeping button, which is easy to disable in case you don’t prefer it.
However what could annoy some is the dearth of adaptive cruise management, which makes distance commuting a bit extra of a ‘do I actually should assume this a lot at 7am?’ activity.
To see how the Kia Stonic stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
The 2025 Kia Stonic vary continues to be supplied in three trim ranges – on take a look at right here is the mid-spec Sport variant.
2025 Kia Stonic S tools highlights:
- 15-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
- House saver spare wheel
- Idle stop-start
- Fabric upholstery
- 6-way handbook driver’s seat adjustment
- Heated, electric-folding aspect mirrors (NEW)
- Roof rails
- Digital instrument cluster
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Entrance USB charging port
- Handbook air-conditioning
Stonic Sport provides:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Entrance fog lights
- Push-button begin
- Rear privateness glass (NEW)
- Entrance centre console armrest
- Rain-sensing windscreen wipers (NEW)
- Premium shift knob
- Premium steering wheel
- 2 x USB charging ports
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Single-zone local weather management (NEW)
- Auto window defogger
To see how the Kia Stonic stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Kia Stonic protected?
The Kia Stonic achieved the utmost five-star ANCAP security ranking in 2017, primarily based on testing of the now-defunct Rio. That ranking has now expired, that means the automobile is now unrated.
Commonplace security tools consists of:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with ahead collision warning
- Automobile, pedestrian and bicycle owner detection
- Lane-keep help
- Lane following help
- Lead car departure alert
- Entrance (NEW) and rear parking sensors
- Blind-spot collision avoidance (NEW)
- Nightfall-sensing computerized headlights
- Pace-sensing auto door lock
These further security gadgets do add some worth and comfort, nevertheless it nonetheless lacks adaptive cruise management. Many reasonably priced rivals embody this together with site visitors jam help.
It is also fitted with six airbags – twin entrance, entrance aspect and full-length curtain.
To see how the Kia Stonic stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Kia Stonic value to run?
Kia affords an ordinary seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. The model additionally consists of roadside help for as much as eight years, offering you service inside the model’s supplier community.
Servicing is required each 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
| Service interval | Service value |
|---|---|
| 12 months/10,000km | $290 |
| 24 months/20,000km | $491 |
| 36 months/30,000km | $345 |
| 48 months/40,000km | $727 |
| 60 months/50,000km | $326 |
| 72 months/60,000km | $610 |
| 84 months/70,000km | $578 |
| Whole | $3367 |
At a median value of $481 per service, the upkeep is on the expensive aspect.
In reality, it’s greater than double the price of a Toyota Yaris Cross to service, and that rival has longer service intervals too. So be sure to do the maths, as a result of in case you journey 20,000km a 12 months it’s going so as to add up quick.
To see how the Kia Stonic stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia Stonic
There isn’t a doubt the turbo engine makes an enormous distinction to the drive expertise within the decrease spec Stonic fashions, however be sure to take it for an intensive take a look at drive with a lot of stop-start conditions to see how you discover the engine and transmission at metropolis speeds.
In any other case, it’s a reasonably compelling choice in comparison with budget-focused options, particularly in case you recognize not having to work together with a display screen to try to do something within the cabin.
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